Fuel cell system

ABSTRACT

A fuel cell system includes a liquid fuel, a cup to contain the liquid fuel having an opening. A removable plate component associated with the opening defines a plurality of holes associated with the opening. A plurality of wicks are selectively disposable in one or more of the plurality of holes to position the wick both above the removable plate and below the removable plate in fluid communication with the liquid fuel.

BACKGROUND

Emergency situations or outdoor cooking may benefit from the use ofalternative sources of energy in order to heat and prepare food forconsumption. Cooking food without conventional heating sources can be achallenge without proper preparation and/or equipment. Existingalternative cooking systems fall short in some instances in that theyuse expensive containers, may not be reusable, and may not provide avariable amount of heat. For example, fondue sets often include cupswhich utilize a gelled form of alcohol which is directly lit. Thiscontainer, however, is not typically reusable. The fuel itself is lit toprovide the heat source and may not provide a variable amount of heat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example cooking system including apot, a stove, a fuel cell, an outer container, and a lid in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary fuel cell system accordingto the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a top view of the fuel cell system of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a side view of the fuel cell system of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an exemplary removable plate accordingto the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a top view of the removable plate of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a side view of the removable plate of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is another side view of the removable plate of FIG. 3A (rotated90 degrees from FIG. 3C).

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary stove assembly accordingto the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a top view of the stove assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a side view of the stove assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D is another side view of the stove assembly of FIG. 4A (rotated90 degrees from FIG. 4C).

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an exemplary paddle assembly positionedover a can according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the paddle assembly of FIG. 5A positioned overa grill.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the paddle assembly of FIG. 5Apositioned in a compact configuration.

FIG. 5D is another side view of the paddle assembly of FIG. 5Apositioned in an extended configuration.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an exemplary outer container accordingto the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a side view of the outer container of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a cross sectional side view of the outer container of FIG.6A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments, and specificlanguage will be used herein to describe the same. It will neverthelessbe understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention isthereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventivefeatures illustrated herein, and additional applications of theprinciples of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur toone skilled in the relevant art and having possession of thisdisclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention. Itis also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used forthe purpose of describing particular embodiments only. The terms are notintended to be limiting unless specified as such.

It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims,the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unlessthe content clearly dictates otherwise.

In describing embodiments of the present invention, reference will bemade to “first” or “second” as they relate to spacer threaded portions,for example. It is noted that these are merely relative terms. Forexample, a structural portion described or shown as a “first” portioncould just as easily be referred to a “second” portion, and suchdescription is implicitly included herein.

Dimensions, amounts, and other numerical data may be presented herein ina range format. It is to be understood that such range format is usedmerely for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly toinclude not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limitsof the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values orsub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value andsub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a range of about 1 toabout 20 should be interpreted to include not only the explicitlyrecited limits of about 1 and about 20, but also to include individualweights such as 2, 11, 14, and sub-ranges such as 10 to 20, 5 to 15,etc.

In accordance with these definitions and embodiments of the presentdisclosure, a discussion of the various systems and methods is providedincluding details associated therewith. This being said, it should benoted that various embodiments will be discussed as they relate to thesystems and methods. Regardless of the context of the specific detailsas they are discussed for any one of these embodiments, it is understoodthat such discussion relates to all other embodiments as well.

The present disclosure is drawn to liquid fueled, wick based fuel cellsystems. Such fuel cell systems can be used for cooking, among otherpurposes. An example of a fuel cell system can include a liquid fuel anda cup to contain the liquid fuel, wherein the cup has an openingtherein. The fuel cell system can include a liquid fuel; a cup having anopening with the cup to contain the liquid fuel; a removable platecomponent associated with the opening with the removable plate defininga plurality of holes; and a plurality of wicks selectively disposable inone or more of the plurality of holes to position the wick both abovethe removable plate and below the removable plate in fluid communicationwith the liquid fuel when present. In further detail, in some examples,the fuel cell system can include a lid having a snap fit onto the cup,or other retaining mechanism for the lid relative to the cup.

In another example, a method of using the fuel cell, such as the fuelcell described above and elsewhere herein, can include steps ofproviding the cup filled with the liquid fuel; determining a desiredlevel of heat; and selecting a number of wicks corresponding to thedesired level of heat. Additional steps can include placing the numberof wicks in a corresponding number of the plurality of holes so that thenumber of wicks is in fluid communication with the liquid fuel below theremovable plate; and lighting the wicks above the removable plate.

In accordance with examples of the present disclosure, it is noted thatwhen discussing the fuel cell systems and/or the methods, each of thesediscussions can be considered applicable to each of these examples,whether or not they are explicitly discussed in the context of thatexample. Thus, for example, in discussing details about the fuel cellsystems per se, such discussion also refers to the method, and viceversa.

As previously mentioned, fuel cell systems can be used for a variety ofheating and cooking applications. Thus, the fuel cell systems describedherein can be used in connection with stoves, ovens, griddles, grills,and other types of cooking systems. One exemplary system with which thefuel cell system can be used is illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated, afuel cell system 104 can be used in conjunction with a pot and stove set100. The pot and stove set can include a stove body 108 having sizelarger than each of the other components of the pot and stove set inorder to nest the other components therewithin. For example, the pot andstove set can include a pot 112 smaller in outer dimensions than thestove body. The pot can be configured to rest on top of the stove body,which can include a grill portion 116 to support the pot thereabove.Retaining features, such as retention tabs 109, can be employed toretain the grill portions at the top of the stove body and to supportthe pot thereon. Further, in some examples, the pot can include handles114A, 1146 operatively connected thereto. Each of the handles can bepivotably connected to the pot so as to enable a working position, suchas the position illustrated in FIG. 1, and a storage position in whichthe handles rest against the outer sides of the pot for convenience andstorage.

The stove can have a fuel cell system 104 associated therewith forheating the pot 112 and any contents therewithin according to examplesof the present disclosure. The fuel cell system can have a paddle 120for extinguishing combustion of the fuel cell system when in operation.The paddle can be sized such to smother the fuel cell system and anyflames originating therefrom. Additionally, the paddle can be sized soas to fit within the pot for storage and transport when not in use.

The fuel cell system 104 can have an outer container 124 having a lowerportion 126 and an upper portion 128 to retain the fuel cell system. Theouter container can be sized so to fit within the pot 112 along with thepaddle 120 when not in use. Therefore, when not in operation, the fuelcell system can be retained within the outer container, which, togetherwith the paddle, can be retained within the pot. In this way, forexample, the pot can be retained within the interior of the stove body108 for a nested configuration of the entire pot and stove system 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2C, an exemplary fuel cell system 200 is shownin more detail. The fuel cell system can have a cup 208 and removableplate component 204 that is associated with an opening in the cup. Thecup can be made of any suitable material, such as, for example,stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, tin, copper, iron, or the like.Further, the cup can have any suitable geometry. For example, while thecup is illustrated as having a circular geometry in this particularembodiment, it can also have an oval, polygonal, or other suitablegeometry.

It is to be understood that the cup 208 is refillable with liquid fuel.For example, in one embodiment, the system can include a container otherthan the cup which contains the liquid fuel prior to use, and thecontainer can be used to fill or refill the cup. When in use (or forstorage in some examples), the liquid fuel can be contained within thecup. The fuel can be operable with one or more wicks 216 forfacilitating combustion. A variety of suitable fuels can be used. Insome examples, the fuel can be a substance that has a relatively highflash point to provide added stability during one or more of operation,transportation, and storage. In some examples, the fuel can behydrophilic. In another example, the fuel can be hygroscopic. In someexamples, the fuel can include a polyol, such as diethylene glycol,glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and the like. In someexamples, the fuel can include a short chain mono alcohol, such asmethanol, ethanol, propanol isomers, butanol isomers, and the like.Short chain ketones, such as acetone, and other hydrophilic organicsolvents can also be used. In one specific example, the fuel can includediethylene glycol, ethanol, methanol, or a combination thereof. In someexamples, diethylene glycol can be a particularly good liquid fuel foruse in the fuel cell system 200 of the present disclosure, particularlybecause this fuel fluid is very stable and safe, even when shippeddirectly to consumers.

While not illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, the liquid fuel cell system 200can include a lid or a container to enclose or otherwise contain theliquid fuel within the cup 208 when not in use. The lid can be attachedto the cup to enclose the removable plate 204 and the liquid fuel withinthe cup. Various attachment features can be used to attach the lid tothe cup, such as a threaded configuration, a snap fit configuration, afriction fit configuration, a cam-lock configuration, magnets, the like,and combinations thereof.

The removable plate 204 can be made of the same material, or a similarmaterial, as the cup 208. Additionally, in some embodiments, theremovable plate can have a geometry to match the geometry of the cup. InFIGS. 2A-2C, the removable plate is illustrated as positioned on top ofthe cup and supported by a rim 210 of the cup. In another example, theremovable plate can be removably disposed inside the cup and supportedby one or more protrusions extending inward from an interior sidewall ofthe cup. In some examples, the one or more protrusions can include orform a ridge 212 that extends entirely around the interior sidewall toprovide vertical support for the removable plate. In another example,the one or more protrusions can include two, three, or more supportshelves spaced apart along the interior sidewall to provide verticalsupport for the removable plate. In other examples, the removable platecan be coupled to or supported by the cup via hooks, clamps, or othersimilar attachment features. When more fuel is needed to refill the cup,the removable plate can be removed to facilitate addition of liquid fuelinto the cup.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate an example of the removable plate 204 having beenremoved from the cup. Removal of the plate can be facilitated by ahandle, such as handle 220. In some examples, the handle can be definedby a raised portion of the removable plate formed between two slots inthe removable plate. Other handle configurations can also be employed.The removable plate can have any suitable thickness, such as from about0.5 mm to about 10 mm. As will be described in more detail below, theremovable plate can define a number of holes. The holes can bepositioned throughout the removable plate in any suitable configurationor pattern. While illustrated in a circular pattern in FIGS. 3A-3D, theholes can also be positioned in columns and rows, a honeycomb-typepattern, or any other suitable pattern.

Referring again to FIGS. 2A-2C, the removable plate 204 and the fuelcell system 200 can have a variety of configurations related to thewicks 216. For example, the plurality of wicks can include a first wickand a second wick; or a first wick, a second wick, a third wick, etc. Aplurality of holes 224 can include a first hole spaced apart from asecond hole; or a first hole, a second hole, a third hole, etc. spacedapart from one another. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.2A-2C, there can be six holes and six wicks. However, even with sixholes, one might select to use one wick, two wicks, three wicks, fourwicks, five wicks, or six wicks, for example. Thus, in one example, withthis configuration, a first wick can be in a first hole and a secondwick can be in a second hole, etc. The plurality of wicks can be up tosix wicks in this example, but there can be systems with 10 holes, or 20holes, that would have up to 10 or 20 wicks, respectively, for example.Additionally, as shown, the six holes are arranged in a circle aroundcentral point at radius R from the center. This is but one configurationthat can be used. Other arrangements of holes are also contemplated.

In certain specific examples, various criteria can affect the thermaloutput and the range of temperatures desired for a given application orset of applications of the fuel cell system 200. Thus, the number ofwicks 216 employed during a particular heating or cooking event can bedetermined based on the amount of heat desired. For example, withspecific reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, whereonly low heat is desired for a particular application of the fuel cellsystem, a low number of wicks, such as one, two, or three wicks can beemployed. Where high heat is desired for a particular application, four,five, or six wicks can be used. In one specific example, using two tothree wicks at one time can boil about one to two cups of water within areasonable amount of time, e.g., less than 15 minutes. In anotherexample, six wicks can be used to boil about six to seven cups of waterin a reasonable amount of time, e.g., less than 15 minutes. As such, avariable number of wicks can be employed with the fuel cell system todetermine the rate of fuel consumption and therefore heat output.

The wicks used with examples as disclosed herein can be sized and shapedto accommodate specific criteria for thermal performance, durability,shelf life stability, etc. It is to be understood that variousdimensional changes as to the wick design may influence the performanceof the fuel cell. Metrics of performance can be defined, for example, byan energy output during combustion, a position within the fuel cell(e.g., how the wick sits within the cup as related to the removableplate, etc.) and other specified or characterized performance criteria.Additionally, the wicks may be made of various types of material ofdiffering material properties including porosity and othercombustion/volatility related properties. For example, the wick can bemade of wood or a number of woven fiber materials, such as cotton orcotton-paper fibers. In some examples, the wick can be a cored wick tohelp prevent the wick from curling while burning. Where a cored wick isused, the wick core can include a material such as cotton, paper, tin,zinc, the like, or a combination thereof.

As previously described, a stove can be used with examples of the fuelcell system disclosed herein for operation, storage, and transportationthereof. An example of a stove body 108 that can be used with the fuelcell system is illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D. In some examples, the stovebody can include a substantially cylindrical body formed of sheetmaterial sufficient to retain the structural and thermal loadingconditions anticipated to be subject thereto. It is to be understoodthat the stove can include any other structurally sufficient shape forretaining the related components as disclosed herein. In one example,the stove body may be substantially rectangular.

Additionally, the stove body 108 can include retaining features, such asextension tabs 109, shaped for operatively retaining grill components,such as grill portion 116, to the stove body. The grill portion can beformed of appropriate gauge wire or rod into a configuration to suit theshape of the stove body. In an example, the grill portion can includetwo substantially trapezoidal components. In other examples, the grillportion can substantially match the geometry of the stove body. Othergrill configurations can also be used with the stove.

Further, the stove body can define a window 111 to accommodate insertionand extraction of the cup before, during, and after operation of thefuel cell system 104 (See FIG. 1). Further, the window can accommodateinsertion and removal of paddle 120 for extinguishing the fuel cellsystem.

An example of a paddle 120 is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D. As previouslynoted, the paddle can cooperate with the fuel cell system 104 (seeFIG. 1) to extinguish combustion of the fuel cell system. Thus, thepaddle can be sized to cover the cup of the fuel cell system by contactat the upper surface thereof. An extension 121 can be added to thepaddle 120 to make a grip portion for the paddle 120. The extension 121can be operatively connected to the paddle 120 by various static anddynamic connection mechanisms. For example the connection mechanisms ofthe extension for the paddle can be formed integrally therewith, rivetedthereto, fixed for rotation thereabout by a pinned connection, etc., aswould be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Once the fuel cell system 104 is extinguished, or otherwise not inoperation, it can be operatively affiliated with an outer container 124,as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C. The outer container can have a lowerportion 126 and an upper portion 128. In some examples, the upper andlower portions can be threaded so that the lower portion and the upperportion can be brought into a flush, closed configuration. However, theupper and lower portions can also be closed using cam-lock features, asnap fit or friction fit configuration, magnets, latches, and the like.The fuel cell system is thus removably disposable in the outercontainer. It is to be understood that various connection mechanisms maybe used for an operative connection of the upper portion to the lowerportion of the outer container. For example, gaskets and seals ofvarious appropriate materials may be used to ensure a leak resistancefor transportation and storage of the fuel cell system. Alternatively,the tolerances of the threads, or other closing features, may provide asufficient enclosure against fluid transmission into or out of theclosed outer container. Where the fuel cell system uses a lid, the outercontainer can be configured to reinforce the lid to prevent leakage ofthe liquid fuel into the outer container.

It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosedare not limited to the particular structures, process steps, ormaterials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof aswould be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. Itshould also be understood that terminology employed herein is used forthe purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is notintended to be limiting.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearancesof the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in variousplaces throughout this specification are not necessarily all referringto the same embodiment.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the presentinvention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for thevarious components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments,examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de factoequivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate andautonomous representations of the present invention.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In thedescription, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples oflengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding ofembodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art willrecognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one ormore of the specific details, or with other methods, components,materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, oroperations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuringaspects of the invention.

While the foregoing examples are illustrative of the principles of thepresent invention in one or more particular applications, it will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be madewithout the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing fromthe principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is notintended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims setforth below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fuel cell system, comprising: a liquid fuel; acup having an opening, the cup to contain the liquid fuel; a removableplate component associated with the opening, the removable platedefining a plurality of holes; and a plurality of wicks selectivelydisposable in one or more of the plurality of holes to position the wickboth above the removable plate and below the removable plate in fluidcommunication with the liquid fuel when present.
 2. The fuel cell systemof claim 1, wherein the removable plate is positioned on top of the cupand is supported by a rim of the cup.
 3. The fuel cell of claim 1,wherein the removable plate is removably disposed inside the cup andsupported by one or more protrusion extending inward from an interiorsidewall of the cup.
 4. The fuel cell of claim 3, wherein the one ormore protrusion includes a ridge that extends entirely around theinterior sidewall to provide vertical support for the removable plate.5. The fuel cell of claim 3, wherein the one or more protrusion includesa three or more support shelves spaced apart along the interior sidewallto provide vertical support for the removable plate.
 6. The fuel cell ofclaim 1, wherein the fuel is hydrophilic.
 7. The fuel cell of claim 1,wherein the fuel is hygroscopic.
 8. The fuel cell of claim 1, whereinthe fuel comprises diethylene glycol.
 9. The fuel cell of claim 1,further comprising a lid configured to fit onto the cup to allow forstorage of liquid fuel within the cup without spilling the liquid fuelfrom the cup when liquid fuel is present in the cup.
 10. The fuel cellof claim 1, wherein the removable plate includes a handle defined by araised portion of the removable plate formed between two slots in theremovable plate.
 11. The fuel cell system of claim 1, further comprisingan outer container having a lower portion and an upper portion, thelower portion having recessed external threads so that the lower portionand the upper portion can be brought into a flush, closed configuration,wherein the fuel cell is removably disposable in the outer container.12. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wicks includes afirst wick and a second wick, and plurality of holes includes a firsthole spaced apart from the second hole, and wherein the first wick is inthe first hole and the second wick is in the second hole.
 13. The systemof claim 1, wherein the plurality of wicks is two to twenty wicks. 14.The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of holes is two to twentyholes.
 15. The system of claim 1, further including a paddle sized forcovering the opening of the cup to extinguish fuel cell flames, whereinthe paddle has a pivotable grip portion that can be pivoted from a firstclosed storage position to a second open extended position.
 16. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a stove body having a windowtherein and having a grill attached to a top portion thereof, whereinthe fuel cell is configured to be placed beneath the grill and withinthe stove body adjacent to the window.
 17. The system of claim 16,further comprising a pot with a pivotable with a first storage positionand a second extended use position, wherein when in the storageposition, the pot can be nested within the stove body.
 18. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a container other than the cup whichcontains the liquid fuel prior to use.
 19. The system of claim 1,wherein the liquid fuel is contained within the cup.
 20. A method ofusing the fuel cell of claim 1, comprising: providing the cup filledwith the liquid fuel; determining a desired level of heat; selecting anumber of wicks corresponding to the desired level of heat; and placingthe number of wicks in a corresponding number of the plurality of holesso that the number of wicks are in fluid communication with the liquidfuel below the removable plate; and lighting the wicks above theremovable plate.